Kuwait: UAKK 'Suvarna Mahotsava' - A Colorful Event
Report and pics by Wilson Saldanha, Shirthady/ Kuwait
Kuwait, Nov 24: In a colorful event, well-known NRI entrepreneur, Philanthropist, Sports promoter and Chairman of New Medical Centre Bavaguttu Raghuram Shetty bestowed with the first-ever 'Gulf Udyog Ratna' award by United Associations of Karnataka - Kuwait (UAKK) comprising of 13 noted associations of Karnataka origin based in Kuwait.
Tulu Koota Kuwait, KCWA, Kuwait Kannada Sangha, Karnataka Muslim Welfare Asociation, Kuwait Kerala Muslim Association (DK Unit), SWAK, KVWA, Buntara Sangha Kuwait, Agnesian Alumnae Kuwait, Aloysian Alumni, Kuwait Pangla Association, Kanajar Welfare Association and BELWAK, the associated members of UAKK came together for the grand celebration of “Karnataka Suvarna Mahotsava” to mark this historical event of celebrating 50 years of Karnataka’s existence. The celebrations was held on Friday 24th November ’06 at Andalus School auditorium (formerly Gulf English School), Rumaithia from 5:10 pm onwards. .
Program commenced with Nadageethe and Invocation dance followed by the lighting of the lamp by Chandra Kumari Shetty and Uma Ganapathi . The guest H.E. M. Ganapathi- Ambassador of India to Kuwait, B.R. Shetty- well known NRI entrepreneur, Sarvottham Shetty, Vishwanath Mamani – MLA, Jagadish Metagud – MLA, Rajashekar Sindhur – MLA, Shishil Namoshi – MLC, kannada Cine star Jaggesh were escorted to the stage by the Conveners Dr. Wani, Satishchandra Shetty, Archie Menezes, Elias Sanctis & Fayez Sheikh. Dr. Vivek Wani welcomed the guest and the audience. Archie Menezes the President of Aloysius Alumni Kuwait (SAACA) introduced the MLA`s and were honored with Mementoes by the Ambassador of India in Kuwait M. Ganapathi. Also special invitees like - Rajanna Yalappa Harkuni – Prominent Industrialist from Belgaum, - Ravi – Kushalini Developers, Bangalore – Main sponsor, Thammegowda, Director – Horticultural Co-operative Society of Farmers, Bangalore, Jaggesh were also honored with momentos.
The recipient of the first-ever 'Gulf Udyog Ratna' award B. R. Shetty was introduced to the audience by Satishchandra Shetty and was honored by the Ambassador with Memento/Fruit basket(Phal tambool) and Shawl followed by the Gulf Udyog Rathna award. B. R. Shetty was overwhelmed by the respect given by Kuwait association and reacted with tears flown from his heart. He replied with his professional vocability and thanked every one and also the rulers of Gulf countries for their support and love. Regarding the Kuwait- Mangalore flights, he said that it will be done after the first quarter of year 2007.
Audience had a really valuable quotes and guidance by the speeches from H.E. M. Ganapathi- Ambassador of India to Kuwait, Vishwanath Mamani-MLA, Sarvottham Shetty and Jaggesh.
Elias Sanctis proposed the vote of thanks and with a short break of 10 minutes the cultural program commenced. Each of the associations was allotted a 15 minutes time period to display the talents of their association. Each of the association performed in its unique way and entertained the audience with their splendid shows such as kannada Kavya, Olavu- skit, Bhuta Aradhane, Qawwali, Krishi ranga Sandarshana, Betegara Dance and Janapada Mela. Program came to an end with the National Anthem. A delicious dinner was served with Karnataka’s traditional dishes- Chitranna, Mosrranna and Gulaab Jamoon from Oriental Restaurant.
The program was well compered by Vasuki, Tharendra Shettigar and Sushila Ramakanth Hegde. The sound was provided by Randy and lights by Anand/Vincy.